Dear Natalie,

In the mess that is our world, I have not known where to start in fighting against systems of racial injustice, but I HAVE often thought of you and I just wanted to take a moment to reach out to let you know how grateful I am to have had you in my life.

Mister Rogers would often take time to think about the people who “loved him into being” and when I do this, memories of you and our hours together at the piano flood my mind.

You poured into me and made me the woman I am today through your strength, beauty, and perseverance. You provided me with this unwavering image of black women as powerful.

What can I say about you? I mean, I cried the first time I ever heard you sing. I was a mess...a complete mess; unable to function and deeply blocked, but you saw light in me and fought for me to be free. I remember all the times you told me my voice was “Ri-DIII-culous” and that I was, “priiime real estate, honey.” And almost every week you would say to me, “honey, you need to get out of your own way.”

You shaped me, during those incredibly formative years, and you were a constant force of love; perpetually believing in all of the me that I could not yet see.

Black goddess, angel, freedom fighter, and warrior of light. A woman filled with compassion for this broken little girl and this broken world. I am eternally grateful for you.

Dori's new voice teacher at the Sarofim School commented on Dori's excellent breath control. She was really taken aback by it and said that you evidently are a wonderful voice teacher and that Dori is very lucky to have been under your tutelage.

I concur!

You are my mentor, therapist, angel and teacher. You have taught me so much about music, life and how to be the best that I can be. You have helped me through hard times and have given me a much better sense of myself. You have taught me that I need to be kind to everyone but not be a pushover. You have taught me that I have a gift and it is my duty to use it to my best abilities. You taught me that it is always best to be honest, to myself and other. You are the reason my relationship with my parents is so good. I am so glad that you have pushed me to be better; I could not be where I am without you. I look up to you so much; you are so kind and beautiful. You really are a goddess. Your talent and heart are larger than life. I can never thank you enough for all the skills you have given me, both the life skills and the vocal skills. My voice has grown immensely because of you and so have I. Thank you so much for everything. I love you!

A Poem About Natalie

When I look at you, I see God shining through
The glow, the power, a love that's true, so special in you
You share your light with those you teach
With all you give, it's easy to reach
To make a mark, to reach a goal
To open up our heart and soul
It's God's spotlight shining through in you.

For your unrestrained, uncontrolled, exuberant sponsorship of the spirit of music, and self expression and love which is being nurtured in Jess, Amanda and Nicole, we are all grateful.

For the fire you are kindling and blowing into a forge of great spirits, we are grateful.

For the grace and boundless energy and love that you are unselfishly sharing, we are grateful.

Bless you!

I have had the pleasure of learning how to sing from Natalie since 2012.I find that Natalie is very sharp in pointing out the relevant places where I miss the mark in my singing. She has an amazing listening skill and she is gifted with her flair with music.

She has been such an inspiration for me to be the best I can be in expressing myself through singing. With her guidance, I feel encouraged to excel and expand my comfort zone each time I reach a perceived limitation.

She is a great teacher to learn from with her natural sense of humor and most importantly her love for her students to shine.

Natalie, I thank you for being a fun loving and demanding (only the best out of me) teacher for me.

First and for most I want thank you for your presence yesterday at church. You really bought down the house! There was not a dry eye. Our center is going through change and having you there yesterday gave everyone the feeling of solid footing and a spiritual uplift that raised the roof! Thank you, thank you!

I'd never had a singing lesson before, but just ten lessons with Natalie have taught me so much! How to breathe correctly and hold my breath longer, how to strengthen my voice, enhance my vocal sound and increase my vocal range. My goal was to improve my choral singing and Natalie gave advice on breath control, phrasing, and sustaining those long notes, which was a great help. She is such a warm person and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to lessons. Because of her teaching I know how to take care of my voice and my singing is definitely improving. The guidance Natalie has given me will continue to help me with my singing in future. I feel more confident and enjoy singing more!

Thank you Natalie!

Everything you have said about bringing kindness and good to the universe and trying to eliminate the unnecessary negative has truly changed my life and the way I live it. I would love to sit for days and discuss my life with you and hear all of your beliefs and wisdom you have to share. Every voice lesson I have ever had with you, I have left cleansed and with this incredible sense of renewal. You have made me the performer I am today and the person I am today. You are a light in my life.

I love you!

Forever your student.

I'd never had a singing lesson before, but just ten lessons with Natalie have taught me so much! How to breathe correctly and hold my breath longer, how to strengthen my voice, enhance my vocal sound and increase my vocal range. My goal was to improve my choral singing and Natalie gave advice on breath control, phrasing, and sustaining those long notes, which was a great help. She is such a warm person and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to lessons. Because of her teaching I know how to take care of my voice and my singing is definitely improving. The guidance Natalie has given me will continue to help me with my singing in future. I feel more confident and enjoy singing more!

Thank you Natalie!